Guide To: Under-Eye Care

If you want to stay looking younger longer it’s vital to take extra special care of the skin around your eyes. The eye area can be a big giveaway of aging, lack of sleep, overindulgence of food and alcohol, and your overall wellness.  I cannot stress to you enough how important it is to be diligent and consistent with under eye care. No matter what your concerns are with the area around your eyes we’re here to help!

Is the skin around your eyes feeling dry?

This is an issue you want to address right away because the skin around your eyes is so thin and sensitive, having it be dry as well can increase the likelihood of wrinkles! So be sure to look for products that will hydrate as well as build collagen. One of our favorite products for this issue would be SkinMedica TNS Eye Repair. This product will help improve the smoothness and hydration around the eyes, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Also be sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day to keep your skin-hydrated form the inside out!

Are you noticing an increase in fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area?

Diminishing wrinkles around the eyes can really take years off of your appearance. A favorite here in the office for this issue would be IS Clinical Youth Eye Complex. This product is great for improving hydration, firmness, and elasticity around the eye area, which will give you smooth tighter looking skin around the eyes. It also helps strengthen/thicken the delicate skin and offers immediate and long-term results.

Are you suffering from the dreaded dark circles?

Sometimes no matter how much sleep you get some people can’t shake the dreaded under eye circles. Having dark under-eye circles cannot only age you, but it can make you appear tired and under the weather even when you’re completely rested and healthy.  IS Clinical C Eye gel is a miracle in a bottle. It not only reverses signs of aging, but it works to brighten those unwanted dark under-eye circles. It is the perfect product for toning, brightening, and anti-aging when it comes to under-eye care.

Feel like your eye area is becoming hollow with age?

For those of you suffering from eyes that look sunken and hollow we have the perfect fix for you. Fillers can be used to reverse this issue. The filler will give you a much fuller, tight, wrinkle free eye area, which will not only take years off but it will brighten and open up your entire face with the slightest amount. Come in for a consultation to determine which filler would be best for you. 

Guide to bringing Sexy Back

Acne is never any fun, but when it’s on your face you at least have the option of covering it up. When it comes to acne in other areas, such as your back it’s not that easy. These are a few of our favorite products and services that can help you achieve that sexy back you’ve always wanted! Bacne and back fat are the worst, so let us help you get rid of both!

 The Product:

Glytone Back Spray is a saving grace when it comes to keeping the back acne-free. The 2% salicylic acid sloughs away dead skin cells and deeply cleanses the pores for healing and prevention of current and future breakouts. It can even be sprayed upside down so you can get all the hard-to-reach spots!

The Tool:

We absolutely love the Clairsonic Pro already, but with the Clairsonic Body Brush Extension Handle we love it even more! The Clairsonic pro leaves your face feeling clean and silky-smooth, and now your back can feel the same with the addition of the extension handle. The handle helps you access all of those hard-to-reach areas and thoroughly clears out pores.

The Back Facial:

The ultimate back deep pore treatment will honestly do wonders for you. Let our master esthetician, Murrissa, clean out all of those clogged pores that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to reach. Having a treatment like this done once a month can really improve any bacne issues you’ve been struggling with. 

Reshape your back:
No one likes to have extra bulges where they shouldn’t be. Back fat or what we like to call “bra fat” is a big concern. It is one of those areas that are extremely stubborn and hard to get rid of, but with CoolSculpting you can kiss that extra-unwanted fat goodbye for good!  CoolSculpting can permanently rid you of unwanted fat without surgery or downtime.Come in for a consult and see our amazing back transformations.

Follow these steps and you’re on your way to bringing sexy BACK!

Morning Vs. Night Skincare

The Morning

You’re morning routine should revolve around protecting your skin for the day ahead of you. You want to make sure your skin is clean, hydrated and protected.

Our favorite products for the morning are IS Clinical’s Pro Heal and Elta MD’s Sunscreen. The IS Clinical’s Pro Heal is a great source of antioxidants and vitamin C for your skin. Allowing not only for hydration, but also anti aging. You should apply this product in the morning to a clean face. The Elta MD sunscreens are a client favorite here at Mclean Derm. Whether you’re looking for a sunscreen for acne prone, dry skin, or even a sunblock with a slight tint Elta MD has you covered and fully protected! Even though summer is over make sure you are protecting your skin whenever you will be exposed to the sun. Just because the weather is no longer warm doesn’t mean those UV rays can’t get to you. 

The Night

While you’re sleeping is the best time to focus on repairing your skin! You want to make sure you are taking advantage of those 8 hours to get the most out of growth factors, peptides, and hydration.

Our favorite products for nighttime are TNS Essential Serum and Epionce Intensive Nourishing Cream.  The TNS Essential serum is ultra hydrating without being too heavy or oily and contains growth factors to help build collagen. You should apply this to a clean face before you apply your moisturizer. Hydration is vital overnight! The Epionce Intensive Nourishing Cream works wonders on extremely dry skin and helps repair damaged areas of the skin while reversing the signs of aging.

Lashes Lashes Lashes!

There is one accessory that you don’t want to forget to bring with you to all your upcoming holiday events…beautiful lashes. Whether you’re looking for volume, length, curl, or definition we’ve got you covered at Mclean Derm!

“I want full thick lashes fast!”

Our Minky’s eyelash extensions are exactly what you’re looking for. We can get your lashes to exactly where you want them in just a matter of an hour and a half. Each lash is placed on individually so that they truly blend in with your natural lashes giving you the look of thicker-beautiful lashes instantly without them appearing over done! No mascara needed!

“ I want longer natural lashes!”

Latisse is the perfect product for you! The Latisse solution is applied once nightly to the base of your upper eyelashes. It’s extremely simple to use and you will start to notice results in as little as 4 weeks!  Not only does this product work wonders on your lashes, but it can also help with sparse brows. Show up to your holiday parties with longer lashes and thicker brows! 

“ I have stick straight lashes, help!”

Having to go through the hassle of curling your lashes every morning is no fun. We have the perfect solution…Let’s perm your lashes! Having curled lashes can really accentuate your eyes making them appear bigger and brighter. A lash perm only takes about 20 minutes, but lasts for 4-6weeks.

“I’m tired of using mascara!”

When you have very fair lashes, mascara is a must, and it can be quite tiresome and tricky’ to apply layer after layer of mascara to achieve the dark lashes you wish you always had. Lash tinting is the answer to all of your prayers! Lash tinting takes about 20 minutes and lasts for 4-6weeks. Once your lashes are tinted there is no need for mascara, for the next six weeks you will have dark defined lashes absolutely effortlessly.

Halloween Makeup 101

To avoid allergic reactions and breakouts from thick Halloween makeup be sure to follow these steps. 

• What kind are you using? 

You’ll want stay away from thick white/colored makeup on the skin. Go for thin waterproof makeup instead. 

• Ingredients to Avoid: Silicon & Dimethicone 

• Do a skin patch test! 

Before you cover your entire face in makeup test the products on a small area of skin. In this case it is much better to be safe rather than sorry later. Just like any new product you’re trying out face paint/makeup is no different; there could be irritants in the products that just don’t agree with your skin. 

• Watch out for your Eyes!

Make sure any product you plan on using around or near your eyes will not irritate or harm them. This is where reading a label is absolutely necessary.

• Clean it off!

Be sure to wash it off with makeup remover right after! You do not want to let the makeup simmer on your skin and block pores. 

Gluten-Free Treats of the Week

Going gluten-free at McLean Derm hasn't been so hard with some of the amazing treats we've been enjoying. Here are two of our favorites recipes we wanted to share. It's the perfect dinner and dessert combo!

Greek Chili

What you'll need:

1 lb of ground turkey
1 teaspoon of olive oil
1 large onion
2 cloves minced garlic 
1 teaspoon dried oregano 
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 bay leaves
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 can(15 ounces) Italian style stewed tomatoes 
1 can (15 ounces) Diced tomatoes
1 can (15 ounces) artichoke hearts, course chop artichokes
1 can (19 ounces) chick peas drained and rinsed
1 can (2 1/4 ounces) Sliced black olives, drained
Crumble feta cheese to taste

How to prepare: 

1.  Heat olive oil, dice onion, mince garlic and saute in dutch over or crock pot

2.  Add turkey and brown thoroughly.

3. Add spices. Add vegetables. 

4. Heat thoroughly over low heat and serve. 

5. Add crumbled feta to taste (this is our favorite part :))

6. ENJOY 

  

Nutella Cheesecake Chocolate Cookie Cups

What you'll need:

 Chocolate Cookie Cups 

3/4 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups Buckwheat flour
1/2 cup cocoa
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cornstarch

Nutella Cheesecake 
10 oz cream cheese, room temperature

2 cups powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

3/4 cup Nutella 

(We used Homemade Nutella) 

Raspberries, for garnish, optional

How to prepare: 

1. Coat cupcake pan with non stick cooking spray. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

 2. Cream butter and sugar together for 5-7 minutes, until light and fluffy. 

 3. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until well combined. 

 4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth. Dough will be thick. 

 5. Makes balls of about 2 tbsp of dough. Press cookie dough in bottom and about 1/3-1/2 way up the sides of each cupcake cup, forming a cup shape. 

 6. Bake for 10-12 minutes. 

 7. Remove from oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes, then remove to cooling rack to finish cooling. The centers should fall a bit while cooling, but if the centers aren't cupped enough to add filling, use the end of a wooden spoon or the bottom of a tablespoon to press the center down a bit.

 8. Once cookie have cooled, make the cheesecake filling. Blend the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla and Nutella together until smooth.

 9. Pipe or scoop cheesecake filling into cookie cups.

 10. Top with raspberry, if desired.

 11. ENJOY

 

 

 

Get Party Perfect for the Holidays!

It's holiday party time, and we have the perfect treatments to get you looking party perfect!

For the eyes
It's really hard to feel bright and cheerful for the holidays when your eyes are tired and puffy. Two of our favorite products for under eye puffiness are Nectifrim and Neotensil. Nectifirm can help tighten the under eye skin in a matter of just 8 weeks. It's typically used for the neck and décolletage; however, it works wonders under the eyes a well! Neotensil is a "shapewear film" that's applied in two steps to dramatically smooth out puffiness, so well that you don't even need concealer!

For the lips
With the use of Juvéderm we can get you kissable just in time for the holidays. When most people think of fillers they think of the extremes, but with just the slightest amount you can really accentuate and highlight the lips without looking overdone.

For the Face
Our fall facial specials are perfect to help you achieve glowing skin for all of your holiday parties. Our pumpkin-honey facial can help you achieve a flawless complexion, and our Thanksgiving pie facial or Ice and Spice peel will exfoliate your skin leaving it radiant.

For the lashes
Thicker, longer lashes can really transform your face. The added volume and length can make your eyes appear brighter and healthier! Latisse is a product favorite here in the office as well as Minky's eyelash extensions; which add instant volume, no mascara needed! Ask Dr. Lily and she can show you hers!  

Don't be so Sensitive!

We all have a favorite tried and true product that has seen us through the years.  Whether it’s the perfect shade of lipstick or the flawless finish of a particular foundation, sometimes we may find that our love for a product goes unrequited. Over time, you may notice that the product you’ve been devoted to doesn’t love and your skin the way it used to. Don’t be so sensitive! Various internal and external factors may hinder the way the skin responds to different ingredients and may cause sensitivity resulting in some serious changes. When you’re skin deems a substance to be a threat, it will signal to you that it may be time to make a change. Some warning signs may include:  

-Peeling

-Tightness

-Redness

-Burning or stinging

-Hives & Rashes

-Swelling & Puffiness

-Irritations

-Itching

If your skin is prone to sensitivity, pay close attention to the ingredients that make up your products and cosmetics. Avoid any product with fragrance, additives and preservatives, parabens, and certain dyes.  Be sure to take caution with soap. Soap is extremely alkaline and may strip the skin of its moisture leaving it raw, itchy, and peeling. Lastly, if you are on any acne medication (especially those containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid), be sure to stay hydrated and keep your skin moist. 

McLean Derm has Been Challenged!

We like to practice what we preach here at McLean Dermatology, so I am challenging my entire office to follow a diet low in carbohydrates and free of gluten and processed foods for the next month, and we want you to join us! I will be here to help you along the way with weekly tips, tricks, and support to get you through the month. Why? Because going gluten-free is only half the battle when it comes to "eating clean." Eating whole, nutrient-dense foods that do not come out of a package is not only great for your skin but also for your overall health!

It may be difficult at first, but adequately preparing yourself for the change will allow for an easier transition. 

The key to staying on track is knowing what to reach for and what to avoid:

Diets don't have to be monotonous either! There is so much you can do with a natural, low carb, gluten-free diet to keep it interesting and fun without taking a step into the "gluten-free" aisle of carbohydrates, preservatives, and other sugars. We will be posting weekly recipes of gluten-free treats we are trying ourselves! 

Join us in our challenge! If you do decide go gluten-free, we’d love to hear from you! Send us recipes, photos, or even stop by to let us know how you’re doing. Good luck! I know you can do it! You won’t be disappointed with the results you see in your skin!

5 Power Foods for Your Skin

You are what you eat! Your Skin reflects your overall health. Eliminating packaged and processed foods from your diet and replacing them with nutrient-dense whole foods will prevent and treat health conditions. Incorporating these 5 power foods into your diet will promote skin health in various ways.

 

1. Avocados are great for the tone, texture and strength of your skin because they are dense with vitamins C & E. These vitamins are antioxidants that promote cell turnover and reduce inflammation that triggers rosacea, acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Avocados are known as the "fattiest" fruits because they are high in omega-9 fatty acids, which are healthy fats. This fat, along with the oil of avocados, provides moisture to the skin, which can prevent eczema flareups, reduces redness and irritation associated with acne and rosacea, and helps to prevent wrinkles.

2. Kale is a green leafy vegetable high in fiber, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, copper, vitamin A and vitamin C. These nutrients have detoxifying properties that help to cleanse the liver as well as anti-inflammatory properties which reduce the development of acne, rosacea, hair loss, and skin rashes. Vitamin A is effective at treating acne and acne scarring while vitamin C and copper encourage collagen development and, ultimately, help prevent aging.

 

3. Tumeric has several health benefits. It has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, and is therefore, suggested to reduce the incidence of acne, hair the incidence of acne, rosacea, hair loss, and psoriasis. Studies have also found that it works like medicines that treat diabetes, as well as several other conditions, and may reduce symptoms of insulin-sensitivity, which has been associated with hormonal imbalances that affect the skin and hair.

4. Coconut Oil has several skin benefits. It's antibacterial mechanisms help to prevent acne flareups. It provides moisture to the skin which helps prevent eczema flareups and leave the skin bright and plump. Coconut oil has ferulic acid which reduces inflammation, which also reduces acne, hair loss, and rosacea flareups. Its antioxidant effects help with cell turnover and anti-aging. Coconut oil also has anti fungal properties which can reduce the incidence of dandruff and perioral dermatitis.

5. Salmon is another great source of antioxidants and natural oils that leave your skin, hair, and nails feeling firm, bright, and hydrated. The omega-3 fatty acids promote hair and nail growth, reduces bad cholesterol, helps with heart health, and improves vitamin absorption. This source of protein also satisfies hunger cravings quickly.


Written by: Seville Nagia